The warmth of summer calls for refreshing treats that bring comfort without weighing you down. Enter the Mung Bean Cake, a delightful traditional Chinese dessert that captures the essence of the season in every bite. As I sampled this creamy concoction for the first time, I was enthralled by its unique texture—soft, smooth, and simply irresistible. And the best part? You can easily customize it into two vibrant varieties: a sunny custard yellow or a refreshing matcha green that looks as good as it tastes.
This recipe isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it embodies a vegan-friendly approach by swapping butter for versatile vegetable oil, making it an inclusive dessert option that everyone can enjoy. We’re moving beyond mundane snacks here; Mung Bean Cake is perfect for tea time, dessert, or just because. Let’s dive in and create something deliciously satisfying to brighten those sunny days!
Why will you love Mung Bean Cake?
Vibrant flavors: This cake brings together the earthy taste of mung beans with a hint of sweetness.
Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dessert even on busy days.
Vegan-friendly: A delightful treat for everyone, substitute butter with vegetable oil for a creamy, guilt-free dessert.
Stunning presentation: Whether you choose bright yellow or matcha green, it’s sure to impress at gatherings.
Cultural experience: Enjoy a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine that connects you with summer festivities.
Perfect for sharing: Ideal as a light dessert or a charming tea-time snack, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Mung Bean Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
• Yellow Mung Beans – This essential ingredient gives the cake its signature creamy texture; opt for unshelled for an extra smooth finish.
• Butter – Adds a deep, rich flavor; for a vegan alternative, replace it with vegetable cooking oil.
• Vegetable Oil – Key for moisture and creaminess; choose a mild-flavored oil to complement the other ingredients.
• Sugar – Balances the earthy flavor of the mung beans; feel free to adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; just a pinch is all you need for delicious results.
• Matcha Powder – Optional for creating a beautiful green variation of Mung Bean Cake; adjust the amount based on your desired color and taste.
How to Make Mung Bean Cake
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Preparation: Start by pre-soaking your yellow mung beans overnight in water. Rinse them well in the morning and let them dry, ensuring they’re ready for cooking.
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Cooking: In a high-pressure cooker, cover the soaked mung beans with water and cook until they are soft—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, mash them thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
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Mixing: In a non-stick pan, add the mashed mung beans along with the butter and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture over medium-low heat, blending the flavors until it’s well combined.
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Adding Sugar: Once the oil is fully absorbed, sprinkle in the sugar. Continue cooking and stirring until it forms a cohesive paste that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5-7 minutes.
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Coloring (optional): If you want to create the matcha green version, divide the mixture in half. In one half, mix in the matcha powder until it’s uniformly colored and well blended.
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Straining: For an ultra-smooth texture, press the mixture through a strainer into a bowl to remove any lumps and create a fine consistency.
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Shaping: Portion the mixture into small balls weighing about 30-40g each. If desired, wrap them with red bean paste for an extra layer of flavor. Shape them using a mooncake mold for a beautiful presentation.
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Storing: Allow the Mung Bean Cakes to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers. They can be kept fresh for up to one week.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mung Bean Cake?
The delightful Mung Bean Cake is both a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes, perfect to enhance your summer meal!
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Refreshing Green Tea: This traditional drink balances the earthy sweetness of the cake, offering a soothing sip that complements its texture beautifully.
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Juicy Watermelon Slices: The crisp and hydrating nature of watermelon provides a refreshing contrast, making it a perfect summer pairing for this dessert.
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Coconut Milk Ice Cream: Creamy and rich, a scoop of coconut ice cream adds a luscious finish that pairs well with the cake’s soft texture.
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Chilled Lychee Juice: A vibrant and sweet option, lychee juice offers a fruity kick that elevates the refreshing flavors of the Mung Bean Cake.
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Light Fruit Salad: A mix of your favorite seasonal fruits adds color and lightness, enhancing the overall dining experience with its natural sweetness.
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Matcha Latte: This warm beverage echoes the flavors of the green variation, creating a harmonious blend with the subtle earthiness of the Mung Bean Cake.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Their savory crunchity contrasts with the soft texture of the cake, making for a delightful appetizer that whets the appetite.
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Sesame Cookies: These subtle treats add a gentle nuttiness that ties together the dessert experience, balancing the sweetness of the Mung Bean Cake.
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Cool Herbal Iced Tea: A drink infused with mint or basil offers refreshing notes that enhance your enjoyment of this splendid summer treat.
Expert Tips for Mung Bean Cake
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Soak Thoroughly: Pre-soak your yellow mung beans overnight; this softens them for easier cooking and mashing.
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Measure Water Carefully: Be cautious with water in the cooking process, as too much can lead to a soupy texture in your Mung Bean Cake.
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Sift for Smoothness: Straining the mixture post-cooking ensures a finer texture, elevating the cake’s creamy consistency.
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Uniform Portions: Use a kitchen scale for portioning to achieve evenly sized cakes, as this helps ensure consistent cooking and presentation.
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Flavor Variation: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other powders for coloring and flavor, such as cocoa or fruit extracts, for a creative twist on the traditional Mung Bean Cake.
How to Store and Freeze Mung Bean Cake
Fridge: Store Mung Bean Cakes in airtight containers for up to 1 week, ensuring they remain fresh and moisture-free.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cakes wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cakes in the fridge overnight for optimal texture before serving.
Reheating: Gently steam or microwave the cakes for a few seconds to warm them up, but avoid overheating to maintain their soft, creamy quality.
Variations & Substitutions for Mung Bean Cake
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you adjust this recipe to suit your taste!
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Savory Twist: Omit the sugar and add spices like garlic or sesame oil for an unexpected flavor profile.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for an added crunch and richness in texture. The contrast will surprise your taste buds!
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Cocoa Delight: Substitute matcha powder with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version that’s just as indulgent and delightful.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in pureed fruits like mango or strawberry for natural sweetness and vibrant color. These additions will not only enhance the taste but also make it visually appealing.
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Coconut Cream: Swap some vegetable oil for coconut cream to add a tropical flair and extra creaminess, making every bite blissful.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a surprising kick that enhances the earthy flavor with warmth and depth.
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Flavored Extracts: Consider using vanilla or almond extract to personalize the flavor; just a few drops will transform the profile beautifully.
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Vegan Sugar: For strict vegan diets, ensure to use raw cane sugar or coconut sugar, as some refined sugars may not meet vegan standards.
Experiment with these ideas to discover your perfect version of this delightful Mung Bean Cake!
Make Ahead Options
These Mung Bean Cakes offer fantastic make-ahead options for busy home cooks! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the cooking and mixing steps, and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, ensure the mixture is completely cool before sealing. When you’re ready to serve, portion and shape the cakes as directed, then allow them to set briefly before enjoying your delightful dessert. Alternatively, you can shape the cakes and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring a quick treat for unexpected guests or sweet cravings. Preparing ahead of time means you can savor this unique dessert with minimal effort!
Mung Bean Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of mung beans should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unshelled yellow mung beans. They create a smoother texture that enhances the creamy quality of the cake. Ensure the beans are fresh and without dark spots to achieve the perfect flavor and consistency.
How should I store Mung Bean Cake?
To keep your Mung Bean Cake fresh, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. This prevents moisture loss and maintains its delightful texture.
Can I freeze Mung Bean Cake?
Yes, you can freeze Mung Bean Cake! Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best consistency.
What should I do if my dough is too wet?
Very! If you find your dough is too wet, it may be due to excess water during cooking. In that case, return the mixture to heat and cook a little longer, stirring constantly until it thickens up to the right consistency. This extra cooking step will help absorb any excess moisture and make it easier to mold.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! This Mung Bean Cake is vegan-friendly, especially if you opt for vegetable oil in place of butter. It is also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, if serving to those with allergies, ensure to check that all ingredients, especially any added flavors or mixes, do not contain allergens.
Can I use other flavors or colors instead of matcha?
Absolutely! While matcha offers a lovely green hue, feel free to get creative. You can substitute it with cocoa powder for a chocolate version or use fruit purees for natural colors and flavors. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly!
Mung Bean Cake Magic: Chill Out with This Vegan Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by pre-soaking your yellow mung beans overnight in water. Rinse them well in the morning and let them dry.
- In a high-pressure cooker, cover the soaked mung beans with water and cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the cooked mung beans thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- In a non-stick pan, add the mashed mung beans along with the vegetable oil. Stir over medium-low heat.
- Once absorbed, sprinkle in the sugar and continue cooking until a cohesive paste forms, about 5-7 minutes.
- If desired, divide the mixture in half and mix in matcha powder for color.
- Press the mixture through a strainer into a bowl for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Portion into small balls weighing about 30-40g each and shape using a mooncake mold.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.